Join Our Team

Programs Coordinator & Workshop Instructor

Job Title: Programs Coordinator & Workshop Instructor
Compensation: $25/hr as an independent contractor
Schedule: 20 hours/week, Schedule to be determined in collaboration with applicant
Location: Portland, OR

About Gather:Make:Shelter:
Gather:Make:Shelter collaborates with people experiencing houselessness and poverty through arts workshops and mentorship to empower participants to forge creative paths to stability and community. We believe in the profound impact of creative expression in building bridges and creating a more inclusive society.

Position Overview:
We are seeking a passionate and committed individual to join our team as a Programs Coordinator/Workshop Instructor. In this part-time role, the Programs Coordinator/Workshop Instructor will play a crucial role in managing Gather:Make:Shelter’s art workshops, mural projects, and gallery installations. The role will involve project management and close coordination with program partners to schedule and lead GMS art workshops on and offsite. The Programs Coordinator/Workshop Instructor will collaborate closely with the Founding Director to implement Gather:Make:Shelter’s current programs, while visioning and planning future programs and workshops. The ideal candidate will have experience teaching art, installing art exhibitions, and knowledge of social services, with a genuine interest in creating positive experiences for our participants. The ideal candidate should be interested in learning and applying trauma-informed practices during their interactions with workshop participants. This position reports to the Founding Director.

Responsibilities:

  • Workshop/Project Coordination: Schedule and organize Gather:Make:Shelter’s art workshops, murals, and other projects both onsite and offsite in collaboration with GMS Program Partners. Manage the logistics for workshops and projects, including transportation, space allocation, and material procurement.

  • Workshop Instruction/Development: Lead weekly art workshop using a range of materials and mediums. Develop new curriculums. Provide mentorship and support to participants in developing their artistic skills and projects. Foster a positive and respectful workshop environment. Contribute to the evaluation and improvement of workshop content based on participant feedback.

  • Food Coordination for Workshops: Collaboration with Operations Manager and Workshop Production Assistant to plan and organize meals for workshops. This includes working with partners and volunteers to seek and coordinate food donations.

  • Gallery Installations: Play a key role in planning and installing gallery exhibitions, including managing logistics and working with artists to display their work.

  • Participant Engagement: Foster a supportive and positive environment for participants, helping to empower their creative expression and growth.

  • Collaboration with Program Partners: Coordinate with GMS partners to facilitate successful workshops and events, maintaining clear communication and partnership dynamics.

  • Learn and apply trauma-informed approaches in all interactions with participants to create a safe and respectful environment.

  • Participant Well-Being: Ensure participant safety and well-being throughout all workshop activities, addressing any challenges with sensitivity and care.

  • Participate in ongoing team meetings and trainings with fellow staff and workshop staff and volunteers.

Required Qualifications:

  • Background and/or current practice in the visual arts.

  • Experience teaching art workshops or classes.

  • Passion for working with individuals experiencing houselessness and a commitment to fostering community connections through the arts.

  • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.

  • Ability to work collaboratively in a team setting.

  • Flexibility to adapt to the unique needs of each workshop and project.

  • Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.

  • Ability to develop new community partnerships and lead workshops.

  • Ability to work independently, managing time and projects with minimal supervision.

  • Previous experience installing and deinstalling art exhibitions


Preferred Qualifications:

  • Background or experience in social services.


Work Schedule:

  • Part-time, 20 hours per week.

  • Schedule to be determined in collaboration with the selected applicant. Schedule could include weekends and occasional evenings.

If you are enthusiastic about using the arts to make a positive impact in the lives of individuals experiencing houselessness, we invite you to apply for this rewarding opportunity. 


Application Instructions

To apply, please reach out to the GMS Team at info@gathermakeshelter.org with a resume, cover letter and teaching or artwork portfolio.

Hiring Timeline: Open until filled. 

Start Date: January 13, 2025

Gather:Make:Shelter is an Equal Opportunity Employer: 

Gather:Make:Shelter is an equal opportunity employer. We recognize that the strength of our organization is in our community. We value equity, diversity and inclusion and are dedicated to the goal of building a culturally diverse and pluralistic team committed to working in a multicultural environment. We strongly encourage applicants from underrepresented, BIPOC and queer communities to apply.

Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they meet every one of the qualifications as described in a job description. We recognize that experience can be gained in a variety of ways: lived, professional, volunteer and other experience. We thoroughly look through applications,and consider interview questions and resumes in order to qualify candidates for this position. If you are interested in this position, but think you may not meet all the above criteria, please do apply!